Saturday, 1 June 2013

Sepia Saturday 179 - Fairgrounds

Whenever my Grandmother was being a bit awkward or contrary my Grandfather would say, "oh, its the gypsy in you Lil"
I often wondered if there was perhaps any truth in the statement and my Grandmother's skin, certainly on her forearms was always rather tanned. When I started my genealogical research I established that my four times Great Grandmother was Bethsheba Drakeley.

Bethsheba had been born in Nuneaton in 1797 and married William Matthews in 1818 in Nuneaton. Together they raised 9 children. Bethsheba died in 1878 in Newbold on Avon in Warwickshire.

Old Arm Canal near Rugby circa 1915

The name of Drakeley is fairly well known for involvement in fairgrounds and canal work, and this week's prompt gave the inspiration I perhaps needed to seek some images of Drakeley fairgrounds. There are quite a few images on the website for the National Fairground Archive.

If there is any truth in the story it will be interesting to explore the Gypsy culture and history. At the moment I can not see any evidence of my branch of the Drakeley's being involved, but who knows what I might discover.

Nigel, do I detect you are a fan? If so, stop by my other blog Guildford & District where I at least twice a week share all things Guildford. It started out as just pictures, but every now and again I share an image of an object that I own. Today for example there is a Guildford ginger beer bottle. You have made my day, so thank you!http://guildforddistrictin366days.blogspot.co.uk

My daughter is at University there. I am afraid that's my only connection, but I feel a slight sentimental connection nevertheless !! Will check out your Guildford blog, but a pint at the Anglers Rest sound more interesting on the first sultry evening of the year !

I feel that same sentimentality towards Charles Kerry & a little envious of your daughter at Guildford. Sadly we are not a pub, beer & fishing is more than my poor husband could cope with! Lets raise though a virtual glass of something on a lovely summer evening!

It will indeed Wendy. I have spent an hour or so today looking at it and chasing another thread from my Grandmother and that is proving problematic too. She is probably up at the pearly gates having a great laugh as I am driven to distraction and wish she was here.

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About Me

I am a Surrey girl, who is very proud of her roots, which go back almost 300 years in Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire. I currently live in the West Country of England, but Surrey is always home! I am also half Italian and thus have an interest in Italian culture and genealogy.

After a career in pharmacy management spanning more than 20 years, I made the decision to look at my options as to where my professional life was heading. I wanted to expand my work portfolio within the training and writing arena; to utilise my historical and research skills along with other qualifications and years of experience. I created The Book of Me, Written by You back in the Autumn of 2012. It threads together the focus of my interests and qualifications. Enabling me to encourage others to think beyond the obvious as we analyse our own lives and those of our close family members.

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The material, both written and photographic on these pages is the copyright of Julie Goucher & Anglers Rest unless stated. Material on this site may be used for personal reference only. If you wish to use any of the material on this site for other means, please seek the written permission of Julie Goucher & Anglers Rest.